Small business spotlight: The Hello Workshop

The Hello Workshop was one of our very early customers, and we’ve been a fan of this creative small business ever since! Operated by designer Hailey Penny, The Hello Workshop is a small, home-based, design studio based in the leafy, eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The studio specialises in quirky stationery and prints with a range of calendars, greeting cards, gift tags, stickers, prints and loads more papery goodness! The Hello Workshop is passionate about creating unique and on-trend designs with a touch of sass.

Can you tell us a little about how The Hello Workshop began?

The idea of starting my own business had been rattling around in my head since 2013 when I designed all of my own wedding stationery however The Hello Workshop was officially born in January 2015. The Hello Workshop is the answer to the ‘entrepreneurial itch’ I’ve always had. Working at many leading design studios over the years, has only strengthened my craving to ‘do my own thing’ and despite never ‘feeling ready’… 2015 seemed like the ideal year to take the leap.

What are some of the tools you use to run your business?

I use Adobe Creative Suite for all of my design work and Shopify to run my webshop. I’m also a big fan of Evernote. It keeps all my random notes (and crazy ideas) organised and I can always access it on-the-go. On the physical side of things, I use my Woodruff & Co wooden stamp and custom embosser from Stitch Press for branding my packaging and envelopes.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in running your business?

For me, it’s been the ‘numbers’ side of the business. I’m a true creative so I struggle working in a spread-sheet with numbers. GAH! It kills me… however I’m lucky to have a very supportive husband who has brilliant finance skills and knowledge, so he’s slowly teaching me the ropes.

And your biggest achievement?

Holding my first series of market stalls over the 2016 Christmas period. It was so rewarding to see ‘real-life’ customers interacting with my products. My “You’re a jerk” greeting card always gets funny reactions. I learnt a lot with each market and definitely had lots of areas for improvement but overall it was a great achievement.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other small businesses?

Take the leap and jump in before you are ready. I was never ‘ready’ to launch my business and to be honest, some days I still feel like I’m not ready. You can learn as you go so just jump in and trust the journey it takes you on.

What’s next for The Hello Workshop?

The plan is to expand and grow my product range. I really need to get my butt organised and plan ahead for ranges that include calendar events eg: valentines day, easter etc.

I would also love to start wholesaling my products – in particular my greeting cards. There are so many beautiful bricks & mortar stores that I can envisage my products sitting in.

See more!

thehelloworkshop.com
facebook.com/thehelloworkshop
instagram.com/thehelloworkshop